5 people dead after community meal in remote Chhattisgarh village

Officials said the matter was reported on Tuesday, seven days after the community meal and that medical teams were subsequently rushed to Dungri across the Indravati River

Published on: Oct 24, 2025, 13:29:42 IST

By S Kareemuddin, Ritesh Mishra

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Five people died and around 20 fell ill after a community meal at remote forested Dungri village with no road access or mobile connectivity in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district over a week back, officials said on Friday.

Dungri village has no road access or mobile connectivity. (Sourced)

The matter was reported on Tuesday, seven days after the community meal. Officials said that medical teams were subsequently rushed to Dungri across the Indravati River.

In a statement, Narayanpur’s chief medical and health officer on Friday said five people, including two women aged 45 and 60, died between October 14 and 20. Around 20 others complained of fever, vomiting, and weakness after attending the feast.

Health teams examined 25 people, treated those with mild symptoms on the spot, and referred serious cases to nearby health centres.

District collector Narayanpur Pratishtha Mamgain said the administration responded as soon as possible. “Dungri is located across the Indravati River in a very inaccessible area with no mobile or road connectivity. We received the information on October 21, and teams from Narayanpur and Bhairamgarh were immediately sent. The situation is now under control,” she said.

Officials indicated that the illnesses could be linked to contaminated food or water. The health department conducted an awareness drive in the area and distributed medicines, safe drinking water, and hygiene kits. Officials said the administration continues to monitor the situation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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